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By C. W. Huggins

The primary objective of this Bureau of Mines research was to measure the size distribution of respirable quartz collected at metal mines, nonmetal mines, and processing plants to select the best reference standard for use in quantifying quartz in mine and plant dust samples. The secondary objective was to size all the nonquartz particles collected at the same sites. Particle size measurements were made on 29 samples using a scanning electron microscope in the backscatter mode of operation, interfaced with an image analysis system. The Mine Safety and Health Administration, Denver, CO, provided the 29 samples, which were collected at mines and processing plants in 19 states. The accumulated particle size measurements indicate that NBS 1878, minus 5-f.lm Hin-U-Sil, and minus 5-f.lm Supersil would be preferred over Silver Bond B as reference standards for most quantitative determinations by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrometry. The respirable dust samples collected at sand plants, however, would be better served by a new reference standard having a quartz particle size distribution of approximately 2.2 um, as none of the four existing reference standards matched closely with them. Commercially available NBS 1878 and minus 5-um Hin-U-Sil CQuid be used as reference standards for 28 of the 29 samples studied in this investigation.

Jan 1, 1986

By Luiz Gabriel da Silva Nascimento

Um material que vem sendo muito estudado quando imerso na matriz de outros materiais, são os nanotubos de carbono, uma forma alotrópica do carbono, que são milhares de vezes mais finos que um fio de cabelo, mas que apesar disso, possuem uma extraordinária resistência mecânica. O alumínio por apresentar um baixo peso específico e ter a facilidade de se unir a outros materiais pode nos fornecer excelentes propriedades e muitas aplicações tecnológicas. Através de ensaios metalográficos e mecânico, esse trabalho avaliou o comportamento microestrutural e de microdureza do alumínio depois da adição nanotubo de carbono e nanotubo mais níquel em sua estrutura. Foi usado um processo de fabricação por fusão com agitação mecânica por um pequeno motor elétrico e resfriamento brusco por água. Depois das análises nesses diversos materiais, com composição diferenciada, o que melhor apresentou propriedade mecânica foi o Al-3%Ni+nanotubo de carbono.

Aug 7, 2018

Wollongong* is Australia's largest single centre of mining and metallurgy. Wollongong's total employment in manufacturing of basic metal products (over 26,500 in 1972/1973) was almost 50 per cent higher than that of Newcastle and double that of any other Australian city. Although the great bulk of this employment was in steelmaking, Wollongong's copper industry was also a significant employer. Wollongong's total employment in mining (4,900 in 1971) was second only to that of Newcastle among Australian mining centres. Although the bulk of Wollongong's mining is of coal, there is also considerable mining of blue metal, sand and clay. In all, over 40 per cent of Wollongong's work force is employed in mining and metallurgy. The great bulk of the other

Jan 1, 1976

By R. L. Brown, H. G. Berger, E. F. Pohlman

"The Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the American Gas Association investigating the relation of properties of gas oils to the gum-forming properties of carbureted water gas. The present report deals with the effects of operating practice on the composition of the light oils from carbureted water gas. A general outline of the gummy meter problem has been presented in a previous paper.*Carbureted water gas is a mixture roughly of 80 per cent water gas by volume and 20 per cent oil gas. The latter, though small in relative volume, supplies more than half of the heating value of the gas under the present-day standard. Therefore, it is logical that the oil used in the carbureting process and the operating practices involved should be subjected to scientific study. Many investigations***** bearing on the aspects considered in this paper have been carried out in the past."

Oct 1, 1923

By Paul E. Queneau

The QS (Queneau-Schuhmann) copper converter is a gently sloped, stepped, horizontal kiln-type tilting reactor in which desired bath oxygen activity, compositional and temperature gradients are created by countercurrent flow of matte and slag phases through a series of controlled bubble plume, mixer-settler configurations. Flow of gas and slag is normally concurrent. Copper sulfide concentrates are top-fed, employing oxygen flash burners. Oxygen and oxygen-carbonaceous fuel mixtures are bottom-blown into the smelting bath through judiciously located, independently regulated submerged injectors. Composition and mass flow rates of injector inputs are controlled to produce bubble plumes of desired character, without jetting through and out of the bath. The mixer-settler pattern can be reinforced if desired by employment of suspended shallow baffles. State-of-the-art instrumentation provides timely information required to govern key process variables. The outstanding capabilities of the QS converter for coppermaking have now been indicated by the current success of industrial QSL (Queneau-Schuhmann-Lurgi) leadmaking reactors. Modified converter designs are employed for leadmaking, nickelmaking and steelmaking.

Jan 1, 1993

By E. H. Wells, A. Andreas

Greater progress than in any previous year was accomplished by the oil industry in New Mexico in 1936. The total number of completions in the state was 631, of which 549 were oil wells, 21 were hydrocarbon gas wells, three were carbon dioxide gas wells, and 58 were dry holes. The total oil production for the year was 26,804,446 bbl. Compared with the production for 1935 of 20,228,947 bbl., this represented a gain of 32.5 per cent. Of the total production, 25,337,382 bbl. came from Lea County. The average daily nonmarginal well allowable for that county was 115 bbl. the first of the year and 86 bbl. at the close. Production was regulated by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission,

Jan 1, 1937

By R. L. Grant

The principal official test performed by the Bureau of Mines to determine the permissibility of coal-mine explosives, commonly referred to as the gallery test, has been in use at the Bruceton station for many years (2, 16).4/ In this test the explosive under study is loaded into the borehole of a steel cannon and fired into a flammable mixture of natural gas and air or natural gas, air, and coal dust. To meet the requirements for permissibility, the explosive must not ignite the gas mixture under the conditions of the test. There is little doubt that these tests have succeeded in the main objective, namely, to screen the relatively safe from the relatively hazardous explosives. It has been generally conceded that adoption of permissible explosives by the coal-mining industry in the United States has substantially reduced the frequency of disastrous underground explosions caused by blasting. In recent years, however, research workers planning programs for improving the safety of coal-mine explosives have felt the growing need of a more quantitative method for measuring the incendivity of explosives based on a better understanding of the role of the important variables in the gallery tests, Accordingly, it was decided to apply certain statistical methods and techniques to the gallery test to develop it into a more precise tool for evaluating permissible explosives. One of the first and more important methods applied for this purpose was the up-and-down technique (6,7,17), It was demonstrated (14,15) that the weight of the explosive charge directly affects the ignition probability of the natural gas-air atmosphere and that the curve of ignition probability versus charge weight is a cumulative normal curve. Following these experiments, a program, still in progress, was set up to study how the addition of sodium chloride to various permissible-type ex-plosives affects their incendivity. This program resulted in 3,294 shots,

Jan 1, 1961

By F. A. Schinner

The present study has investigated the leachability of cadmium sulfide minerals by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and the electrochemical reactions involved in the process. Using a cyclic voltammetric technic and carbon-paste-CdS electrodes, it was found that the bio-oxidation of semiconductor cadmium sulfide minerals consisted of a number of intermediate electrochemical reactions. The overall reaction was found to be controlled by solid state diffusion as suggested by the chrono-amperometric and chrono-potentiometric measurements. The activation energy of solid state diffusion was determined by the Sand's method to be AE=24.3 kJ. A generalized mechanism was proposed for the bacterial oxidation of cadmium sulfide by T. ferrooxidan and an explanation given for the importance of high redox potential of leach solution versus the decomposition potential of the sulfide mineral. Furthermore, the effects of n-type or p-type character of CdS substrates relative to their bioleachability was discussed.

Jan 1, 1993

By David H. Sanders, Ramin Motamed, Fahim M. Bhuiyan, Raj V. Siddharthan

Large-diameter drilled shafts (DS) are a critical part of a seismic-resistant system, and therefore it is important to be able to accurately model lateral resistance. To undertake the lateral load analysis of largediameter DS, a finite-difference p-y analysis program, NVShaft, is being developed at the University of Nevada Reno. Validation of the new program involved numerous p-y analyses using commercially available programs. Subsequent comparisons suggested the program's ability to yield reasonable predictions for typical diameter DS. Based on the I-15/US 95 load test program carried out in Las Vegas, NV, this study presents the evaluation of NVShaft in Nevada’s subsurface condition. Lateral load analyses of a 2 ft and an 8 ft diameter DS were attempted using NVShaft. The location of the applied lateral loads and the presence of cemented soil-layers were incorporated in the modeling. A good agreement between NVShaft prediction and the measured response was found for the 2 ft diameter DS. For the 8 ft diameter DS, a stiffer response was predicted. The inspections of the moment-curvature characteristics at different load levels suggested cracked response of the concrete due to prior axial load testing may be one of the reasons behind the deviation.

By Jr. Raleigh

In a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Department of Energy, laboratory column-flotation tests were conducted to evaluate fluorosurfactants as selective fine coal flotation collectors. A Middle Kittaning seam coal responded to flotation with both anionic and nonionic fluorosurfactants. These fluorosurfactants were no more selective than MIBC alone. However, for increasing coal yields, nonionic fluorosurfactant systems did not increase total sulfur and ash contents as sharply as MIBC systems. Flotation selectivity also improved slightly when a combined anionic fluorosurfactant-MIBC system was used in acidic pulps (pH < 3.6). While the fluorosurfactants examined will not likely have direct application in current coal flotation practice, other fluorosurfactant systems could eventually prove beneficial for floating fine coals.

Jan 1, 1990

By A. R. Rule

A flotation process was developed by the Bureau of Mines for separation of carbonate and phosphate minerals occurring in unaltered phosphate ores of the Phosphoria formation. The process involves depression of phosphate minerals with fluosilicic acid and flotation of carbonate minerals with fatty acid emulsions. In individual laboratory tests, selective removal of carbonates was achieved with phosphate recoveries ranging from 60 to 80 pct P205. In continuous-circuit testing, sizing and separate treatment of coarse and fine fractions was necessary to achieve 65-pct P205 recovery. Concentrate grade ranged from 26 to 33 pct P205. The flotation tailings containing primarily carbonate and phosphate minerals is a potential fertilizer material. When reacted with H3P04, concentrated superphosphate containing approximately 40 pct available P205 was obtained.

Jan 1, 1974

By D. R. Tesarik

To ensure the stability ofa tailings pond embankment, the height of the phreatic surface must be kept at or below a safe level. In this investigation, the Bureau of Mines analyzed various horizontal drain designs for tailings embankments to determine their effects on location of the phreatic surface. This report describes the investigation, and it includes 21 dimensionless graphs that can be used to estimate the drain spacing and length dimensions necessary to ensure the stability of embankments of various configurations. Analyses were based on the use of two computer codes, a three-dimensional finite-element code and a two-dimensional finite-difference code. The computer-generated results were compared with results obtained from a laboratory embankment model, other laboratory test results, and piezomet-ric data from two actual tailings embankments. Nearly the same phreatic surface locations were predicted using either of the computer codes. For one of the actual embankments studied, the predicted phreatic surface location was slightly higher than the measured location; for the other, the predicted location closely followed the actual surface trend. Phreatic surfaces of the laboratory model were slightly higher than the code-gener-ated locations, and the differences grew larger as drain length increased or drain spacing decreased.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. N. Shen

Fe3A1 intermetallics are potential inexpensive candidate for hot applications. In this project, torsion tests on hot-rolled and annealed Fe3A1 (Fe-15.5A1-5.8Cr-1.0Nb¬0.05C) were carried out over the ranges 750-950°C and 0.01~1s-1 . The experimental results showed that when peak stress op>90MPa (LogZ>16s-1 , Z: temperature-compensated strain rate), specimens cracked at randomly low strains. Optical microscopy exhibited original elongated grains and many grain boundary cracks associated with segregation. With op<40MPa (LogZ<16s-&apos;), specimens deformed with low random op but considerably high fracture strains; slowly propagating cracks may explain the reduced flow stress. Optical microscopy showed both elongated grains and equiaxed subgrains with some indications of geometric dynamic recrystallization (gDRX) and of static recrystallization (SRX). Compression tests gave higher stress with little effect of the preexisting cracks. The activation energy Quw of current material in satisfactory torsion and compression tests is about 10% higher than previously published. Fe3A1 has body-centered cubic structure in the experimental range, so it was compared with ferritic stainless steel 434C (Fe- 16.55Cr-0.96Mo-0.21Ni). Constitutive constants and restoration mechanism are compared between these materials. While Fe3A1 is hardly a light metal, it is considerably lighter than most steels. Furthermore, like the other body centered cubic metals (BCC) (a-Fe, ß-Ti, ß-Zr and ß-brass), it exhibits a high degree of dynamic recovery (DRV) like Al alloys, producing easier hot workability than that of austentic stainless steels.

Jan 1, 2007

By Q. Xiao, R. Naidu, W. Li, S. Song

Acid mine drainage (AMD) derives from the oxidation of sulfide minerals, primarily pyrite (FeS2), and is the most severe environmental issue facing the minerals industry. The most common short-term approach to AMD treatment is migration control, such as acid neutralization and metal/metalloid and sulfate removal, through the addition of alkaline materials, including lime (Ca (OH)2), limestone (Ca CO3), gangue minerals and industrial wastes. This requires the continuous input of materials and may result in the production of a vast amount of secondary sludge requiring further treatment and disposal. Addition of chemicals is usually more important in metal/metalloid removal than in sulfate removal unless the sulfate is present in very high concentrations. A more promising long-term strategy for AMD prevention is source control through the complete removal of pyritic minerals and encapsulation of potential risk minerals by coating with impermeable surface layers. This is regarded as the most cost-effective approach, although the mechanisms underpinning this and the implementation procedures are yet to be fully elucidated. It is likely that long- and short-term practices can be combined to optimize the remediation of contaminated mining sites. Some factors such as differing geological and mineralogical characteristics and transportation costs must also be considered for the successful implementation of AMD prevention and remediation strategies. This review also considers some implications for AMD remediation, but the promising bioremediation of AMD is not discussed as it has been extensively reviewed.

By M. P. Board

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, under a cooperative agreement with Hecla Mining Co., conducted a rock mechanics study at four widely spaced horizons in a deep mine shaft in northern Idaho. The objective of the project was to measure and analyze rock deformation and lining behavior during construction of a deep shaft in a high in situ stress field within an isotropic rock mass. Rock mass displacements were monitored with multiple-position borehole extensometers. Liner stress and strain were measured with concrete pressure cells and embedment strain gauges. This report discusses the general trends and magnitudes of data from the four test sites, and relates the data to a proposed anisotropic constitutive model for the rock mass. A design procedure is then outlined for specifications of liner thickness and support installation sequences for future shaft sinking.

Jan 1, 1989

By D. E. Sullivan

The Minerals Availability Program of the Bureau of Mines conducts cost evaluations of current and potential mineral operations in the United States and foreign countries. The International Mining Cost Indexation System (IMCI) allows data of different time periods within a country to be updated to a common base year for analytical purposes. The IMCI comprises 12 factor cost indexes and an exchange rate series for 96 market economy countries, denominated in both local and U.S. currency. The IMCI for each country contains 12 time series indexes that measure the average annual rate of change in the cost of factor inputs to the mining industry within that country. Mining industry factor cost indexes include wages, plant and equipment, construction and mining materials, power and transportation, and other measures considered to comprise the majority of capital and operating costs. Cost data or proxies are collected in local currency. Index series within each country are constructed separately and indexed on a 1975 base year. The local currency index is converted to a U.S.-dollar-based currency index using an exchange ratio.

Jan 1, 1987

By André Luiz Vasconcellos da Costa e Silva

Aços inoxidáveis são empregados em várias indústrias. A resistência à corrosão é um fator crítico na sua seleção. A degradação da resistência à corrosão destes aços é influenciada pela precipitação de Cr23C6, que causa a sensitização e favorece outros mecanismos de corrosão. Muitos autores procuram modelar esta precipitação associando a precipitação às medidas de sensitização. Tais modelos dependem de uma premissa ligada ao nível de precipitação, ou de depleção do cromo na matriz, que resulta na sensitização em testes tecnológicos. Assim, são de difícil validação. Este trabalho apresenta resultados da cinética de precipitação de Cr23C6 através da teoria clássica de nucleação e crescimento (software PRISMA) e modelos de difusão (software DICTRA). Curvas TTT simuladas para M23C6 com PRISMA são comparadas com curvas experimentais. Mostra-se que a energia interfacial tem forte efeito na cinética de precipitação do M23C6. O crescimento foi também modelado com DICTRA e supôs que o carboneto cresce no centro de uma esfera. Em certas condições, o inverso do volume desta esfera estima a densidade de núcleos. Os resultados indicam que o valor da energia interfacial é crítico para a simulação e, portanto, para modelar a sensitização nestes aços.

Aug 7, 2018

By John D. Godfrey

A brief account of economic developments in and around northeastern Alberta is presented and mention is made of mining and industrial developments currently of interest in the area. Planned and projected operations are briefly discussed for this region. The history of geological surveys and mining activities in the Shield area of Alberta and the adjoining parts of Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan is traced. Reassessment of the presently-known economic picture of northwestern Canada in conjunction with some recent information on Precambrian structures of northeastern Alberta points to some interesting mining possibilities, particularly in and around that province.

Jan 1, 1960

By Robert N. Roby

Deposits of iron ore in Judith Basin County, Mont., generally referred to as the Running Wolf deposits, were examined by an engineer of the Bureau of Mines in August 1942. During the Summer of 1943 the Federal Geological Survey made a reconnaissance survey of, the Running Wolf Iron district and also made a detailed study and a topographic and geological map of the eastern end of the district. Two deposits of iron ore at the eastern end of the district were trenched and drilled by the Bureau of Mines during the fall and winter of 1943-44, This report presents the factual data obtained from the trenching and drilling&apos; operations. The iron deposits of thy Running Wolf district are accessible from Stanford, Mont., by 14 to 16 miles of county highway and 2 to 3 miles of rough mountain road or trails (see fig. 1). No shipments of ore have been made from of these deposits. The ore is a replacement of Madison limestone at the contact with syenite porphyry. The contact can be traced for about 6 miles in a general northwest direction. &apos;At least five. deposits occur along this contact.

Jan 1, 1949

By R. O. Kneisley

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report summarizes a study of large-scale strata response to longwall mining at a western U.S. coal mine. This study utilized surface and subsurface measurements, geologic mapping, in situ stress measurements, and pressure cell readings to characterize strata behavior. Preliminary analysis of surface subsidence and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) was used to determine a suggested main roof caving sequence. Coal ejected from the face apparently resulted from brittle failures that occurred because of lack of significant yield zone development. The combination of a strong coal with pronounced directional behavior, low overburden pressures, a good caving roof, and a high-production environment that minimized time-dependent loading apparently reduced yielding of the longwall face. The panel 1 headgate-entry design appears adequate; however, the abutment pillar and adjacent panel tailgate rib are highly stressed and may contribute to problems during second panel mining. The small chain pillar yielded after passage of the face, but the pillar width may be near maximum since evidence of a stressed core exists.

Jan 1, 2010